Poland's Paulina Bidzińska wins Eurovision Young Dancers 2017

Eurovision Young Dancers 2017: Paulina Bidzińska wins for Poland, retains the title

After a spectacular show featuring stunning dance performances from eight countries, Paulina Bidzińska representing Poland was announced as the winner of Eurovision Young Dancers 2017. The biennial competition, organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), hosted by Czech Television, was broadcast live from the Forum Hall in the Prague Congress Centre.

Eurovision Young Dancers

Eurovision Young Dancers began in 1985 and 2017 marks the second time that the event has been held in the Czech Republic. Spain holds the record for most victories in the contest (5).

The competition is open to young dancers aged between 16 and 21. The 2017 edition saw young dancers from eight countries participate.

The winner receives a cash prize of €7,000 with the runner up receiving €3,000.

The winner of Eurovision Young Dancers was decided by a world-class panel of judges; Daria Klimentová (Czech Republic), Ambra Succi (Sweden) and Itzik Galili (Israel). The winning dance is called La Certa and was choreographed by Jacek Przybyłowicz. As is customary, only the top two results were announced. Patricija Crnkovič representing Slovenia finished in second place following the final dance duel.

Jon Ola Sand, the EBU’s Head of Live Events and Executive Supervisor of Eurovision Young Dancers said:

– I have to start by congratulating Paulina Bidzińska for winning Eurovision Young Dancers for Poland. Paulina performed superbly throughout the week and her victory in the contest is thoroughly deserved. The eight young contestants have all reached the limits of what can be achieved at an amateur level, and we are proud to be able to share their talents across Europe’s public-service TV channels, where we hope millions of viewers will be inspired by their performances.

The 2017 edition of Eurovision Young Dancers saw Portugal return for the first time since 2011 following Salvador Sobral’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year. Slovenia’s Patricija Crnkovič returned to the Eurovision Young Dancers stage having previously participated in the competition in 2013. Poland won the previous edition of Eurovision Young Dancers in 2015.